Piešťany is a popularly visited European health resort, set in picturesque surroundings. The Piešťany spa is well known for the medicinal effects of its sulphuric thermal water and mud treatments, as well as the highly professional medical care. The oldest mention of Piešťany was found in writings from 1113, where a small settlement was registered under the name of Pescan in the Zobor's document of the Hungarian King, Koloman I. In the present territory of Piešťany were situated some ancient settlements and in the 14.th century a Gothic church, probably a part of a monastery, was built in the centre, on the site of an old Romanesque church. The Hungarian King, Matej Korvín and the aristocracy used to take advantage of the medicinal effects of the thermal water. The foundation stone of the first bath-buildings was laid by Count Jan Nepomuk Erdődy between years 1773 - 1778. In 1821, Count Jozef Erdődy built a new building in classic style, named the Napoleon bath, which is the oldest existing functional building in Piešťany. Later on, the bath was extended to incorporate a complex of three buildings shaped in an "U". After the reconstruction new spaces for bath health resorts, massages, and hydrotherapy were created.